What are PDRN Injections?
PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide, a DNA fragment used in medicine to encourage tissue repair. In aesthetics, it’s placed into the superficial dermis with tiny needles or delivered across fresh microchannels during collagen induction therapy (standard microneedling) or RF microneedling. PDRN used in clinics is typically derived from salmon DNA—often called salmon PDRN or “salmon PDRN treatment.” It is structurally similar to human DNA and interacts with skin cells involved in repair, including human skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts, supporting collagen production, collagen synthesis, and cell regeneration.
What does that mean in plain terms? Think better communication in the layers that matter. PDRN encourages a healing conversation in the dermis while your own growth signals go to work. In lab settings, polydeoxyribonucleotide exerts opposing effects depending on the dose and cell type—pro-repair with fibroblasts, calming with inflammatory pathways—which helps explain why salmon PDRN works for both irritated and sluggish skin. It supports microcirculation around blood vessels, smooths the look of uneven skin tone, and helps the skin hold a healthier baseline between procedures. It’s a promising biological platform for skin rejuvenation across many skin types, including sensitive skin.
A quick regulatory note: microneedling devices used in medical settings may be FDA approved or cleared for specific indications, but stand-alone PDRN injectables for cosmetic use are not FDA-approved as dermal fillers in the United States. In our practice, PDRN is used responsibly as a skin-supportive agent under physician supervision.
